Obesity is the most common health problem for cats. A cat is considered obese if it weighs 20% more than its optimal weight and if the extra weight is a result of the accumulation of fat. If a cat is anywhere from 1 to 19% heavier than its ideal body weight, then it is considered overweight and not obese. In order for a cat to maintain good health and have a long and happy life, the cat must maintain a healthy weight.
Overweight or Obese?
There is no magical body weight that is ideal for all cats. The breed, general size, and age of the cat all have a factor in how much it should weigh. To determine the appropriate weight of a specific cat, it is best to consult a veterinarian. However in general, a cat whose ribs are difficult to feel because they are covered with a layer of fat is overweight or obese, depending on how thick the layer of fat is.
A cat is also considered to be obese if it has a moderate or thick layer of fat that covers all of its bony areas. Some obese cats additionally develop a bulge under the abdomen, which is sometimes referred to as a "skirt." If the cat doesn't have a visible waist and if the back appears broad when viewed from above, the cat is obese.
Risks Of Obesity
When a cat is either obese or overweight, it runs the risk of obtaining a variety of health disorders such as aggravation of osteoarthritis, decreased stamina, diabetes mellitus, Hepatic lipidosis -- which is fat deposited in the liver, joint stress, lower urinary tract disease, and non-allergic skin diseases.
An obese or overweight cat may also have breathing problems, develop a decrease in immune function, and even have difficulty giving birth.
Risk Factors
Some cats are more likely to become overweight or obese than others. In general, however, cats are just like humans. If a cat takes in more calories than it uses, it will gain weight. The excess energy it gains from the calories becomes stored as fat.
Purebred cats, on the other hand, are less likely to become obese than mixed breeds. In addition, cats that are neutered have a tendency to gain weight more easily than those who are not, probably in part due to the fact that non-neutered cats have the disposition to roam in search of a mate. In addition, the metabolic rate of a neutered cat decreases by about 20%. Therefore, a neutered cat needs less food in order to maintain its ideal body weight.
Cats under two years of age are less likely to be overweight or obese than cats that are between the ages of two and ten. This is because cats between these ages need less energy. On the other hand, geriatric cats, which are older than ten, have a tendency to be underweight. In addition, certain medications can make a cat more likely to gain weight, as some medications will cause an increase in appetite and other medications cause a decrease in metabolic rate. Some medications that typically lead to weight gain in cats are cortisosteroids, cyperoheptidine, and amytripyline.
Treating Obesity In The Cat
It is not healthy for an overweight or obese cat to lose weight too quickly. In fact, rapid weight loss increases a cat's likelihood of developing hepatic lipidosis, which is a fatal liver disease that causes fat to be deposited in the liver. Instead, an overweight or obese cat should lose weight steadily and gradually. In fact, it can take up to a year for a extremely overweight cat to reach its ideal body weight in a healthy manner.
If you are trying to help your cat lose weight, it's best to consult a veterinarian who can help you create a healthy eating plan. The veterinarian will ensure that your cat is still getting enough protein. Since cats are carnivores, it could be lethal to your cat to cut out meat. They need a lot of protein and not very many carbohydrates. If you feed your cat a similar diet, your cat will be able to lose weight without losing lean muscle mass.
To help an overweight or obese cat lose weight, it should also be encouraged to get plenty of exercise. This is particularly true for older cats with slower metabolisms, neutered cats, indoor cats with restricted activity, and cats on medication that affects weight. Pet owners can encourage exercise by playing with the cat often. For more direct exercise, a cat harness can be purchased to walk the cat around the house or up and down stairs. Feeding bowls can even be moved to areas that require more walking and, of course, cut down on the portions of food an overweight cat receives.
Weight Maintenance
Maintaining an optimal weight for your cat can be accomplished by purchasing special "light" or low calorie formulas of food. Specifically created for cats who are less active or who have decreased metabolism, they will not only keep your cat healthy but also happy.
